BTCC: Adam Morgan scores a fantastic podium in the season opener at Brands Hatch

Positive results with the first podium of the season in the BTCC for Adam Morgan and Ciceley Motorsport in the season-opener round last weekend in Brands Hatch: the lancastrian driver scored an important double result in Top 10 culminating with 3rd place in Race 2 (and winner among the Independents drivers).

A very good achievement after the difficulties encountered in qualifying for the poor lateral grip, for the resolution of which the Hexathron Racing Systems staff worked hard together with the team overnight between Saturday and Sunday, managing to greatly improve the performance of the Mercedes-Benz Class A BTCC race car.

Adam Morgan leaves Brands Hatch fifth overall in the provisional Drivers’ standing and third among the Independents, giving to the whole team a positive feeling thinking about the next events.

Ciceley Motorsport’s second car, run under the Cataclean Racing banner for series newcomer Dan Rowbottom, enjoyed a steady start to its season. Clio Cup graduate Dan was the fastest Mercedes driver in qualifying but elected to run the wet tyre in the opening race in order to gain confidence. The BTCC rookie soon lost tyre life and battled home to 23rdplace, but was involved in an early-race tangle in the second stanza that caused damage to the radiator. A herculean effort by the Ciceley Motorsport engineers let Dan join race three from the pit lane and he fought from 30th to 23rd at flag fall, important seat-time standing him in good stead for Donington next time out.

The second event in the British Touring Car Championship will be at Donington Park, Derbyshire, on April 27/28 with qualifying on Saturday covered live on itv.com and all the raceday action live on ITV4.